EPA Fines Iowa Ethanol Producer for Alleged Clean Air Act Violations
LENEXA, KAN. (NOV. 30, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will collect a $89,860 penalty from POET Biorefining – Menlo LLC, a bioethanol producer in Menlo, Iowa, to resolve alleged violations of the federal Clean Air Act.
The company is a subsidiary of POET LLC, the world’s largest producer of biofuel. According to EPA, the Menlo facility is a “major air emission source” that failed to comply with federally enforceable permit provisions intended to limit harmful releases of air pollution.
After reviewing POET Biorefining facility records in 2022, EPA alleged that the company failed to properly operate the facility’s scrubber, which is designed to limit releases of volatile organic compounds and hazardous air pollutants. In response to EPA’s findings, the company corrected the alleged violations and implemented procedures to ensure that the scrubber operates within required parameters.
According to EPA, POET Biorefining creates biofuels through fermentation of corn sugars, which can emit volatile organic compounds and hazardous air pollutants. Volatile organic compounds are compounds that have a high vapor pressure and easily evaporate. Direct or long-term exposure to VOCs may result in eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, organ or central nervous system damage, or cancer. Hazardous air pollutants are those known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health impacts, such as reproductive effects, birth defects, or adverse environmental effects.
Reducing air pollution from the largest sources of emissions is a top priority for EPA.
# # #
Learn more about EPA’s air enforcement programs
Learn more about EPA Region 7
View all Region 7 news releases
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Follow us on Twitter: @EPARegion7
The company is a subsidiary of POET LLC, the world’s largest producer of biofuel. According to EPA, the Menlo facility is a “major air emission source” that failed to comply with federally enforceable permit provisions intended to limit harmful releases of air pollution.
After reviewing POET Biorefining facility records in 2022, EPA alleged that the company failed to properly operate the facility’s scrubber, which is designed to limit releases of volatile organic compounds and hazardous air pollutants. In response to EPA’s findings, the company corrected the alleged violations and implemented procedures to ensure that the scrubber operates within required parameters.
According to EPA, POET Biorefining creates biofuels through fermentation of corn sugars, which can emit volatile organic compounds and hazardous air pollutants. Volatile organic compounds are compounds that have a high vapor pressure and easily evaporate. Direct or long-term exposure to VOCs may result in eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, organ or central nervous system damage, or cancer. Hazardous air pollutants are those known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health impacts, such as reproductive effects, birth defects, or adverse environmental effects.
Reducing air pollution from the largest sources of emissions is a top priority for EPA.
# # #
Learn more about EPA’s air enforcement programs
Learn more about EPA Region 7
View all Region 7 news releases
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter: @EPARegion7
EPA Announces $565,000 to Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana for Recycling Infrastructure Projects as Part of America Recycles Day
DALLAS, TEXAS (November 30, 2023) –In conjunction with America Recycles Day, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana will receive $565,000 in Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia to expand recycling infrastructure. As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, a key pillar of Bidenomics, these grants will expand education for waste management systems across the state.
“Today, on America Recycles Day, we are putting historic recycling investments into communities, made possible by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Two years ago today, the President signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and with it, unleashed unprecedented funding to enable Tribes and communities to update recycling and composting infrastructure, while also advancing education programs to increase recycling rates and reduce waste.”
“The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana maintains a robust list of services for its small but strong community. With this grant, its recycling facility will be able to serve even more of the surrounding area and contribute to a more sustainable future for the Tribe,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance.
The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana’s grant will go toward increasing recycling collection and improving materials management infrastructure by expanding the Tribe’s recycling program. By repairing existing storage facilities and developing a new recycling center, the recycling drop-off center will be more accessible to neighboring communities.
These grants reflect the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to tackling environmental justice and the climate crisis. Many communities with environmental justice concerns carry a disproportionate environmental and human health burden from waste management. As part of President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, 100% of the funding allocated in EPA’s SWIFR for Tribes grants and 74% of the funding allocated in the REO grants will benefit underserved and overburdened communities. Increasing recycling is also an important way to reduce pollution because natural resource extraction and processing make up half of all global greenhouse gas emissions that drive the climate crisis. Recycling reduces the need to extract resources such as timber, water, and minerals for new products.
Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia
The SWIFR grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia will enable Tribes to make improvements to their recycling and waste management systems, meeting Congress’ goal to create a stronger, more resilient, and cost-effective U.S. municipal solid waste recycling system. EPA has announced the selection of 59 selectees to receive over $60 million through the program.
For a list of the 59 selected grant selectees for the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia funding, please visit: EPA’s Recipients and Selectees webpage.
America Recycles Day
Today marks both the 29th America Recycles Day, the second anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the second anniversary of EPA’s National Recycling Strategy. The National Recycling Strategy was the first in a series of EPA strategies devoted to building a circular economy – one that reduces material use, redesigns materials, products, and services to be less resource intensive, and recaptures “waste” as a resource to manufacture new materials and products.
To build upon the goals of the recycling strategy, EPA released the Draft National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution for public comment in April. The Draft Strategy outlines steps to reduce pollution during production, improve management of plastic materials throughout product lifecycles, and encourage actions to keep plastics out of national waterways and the environment. Future strategies will address food waste and electronics.
EPA also recently announced over $105 million for the selectees of the historic SWIFR grants for states and communities. These improvements will support a circular economy, help lower greenhouse gas emissions, as more efficient waste management systems are key to reducing energy consumption and the need for raw materials, while rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure, powered by well-paying jobs that don’t require four-year degrees.
Visit EPA’s website to learn more ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
EPA offers many free, online resources, including:
Model Recycling Toolkit.
Composting Food Scraps in Your Community: A Social Marketing Toolkit.
Wasted Food Scale: Updated Recommendations.
Standardized Terms for Materials Accepted by Municipal Recycling Programs.
Creating Messages that Drive Behavior Change.
Recycling Infrastructure and Market Opportunities Map.
Learn more about America Recycles Day.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, Twitter, or visit our homepage.
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“Today, on America Recycles Day, we are putting historic recycling investments into communities, made possible by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Two years ago today, the President signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and with it, unleashed unprecedented funding to enable Tribes and communities to update recycling and composting infrastructure, while also advancing education programs to increase recycling rates and reduce waste.”
“The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana maintains a robust list of services for its small but strong community. With this grant, its recycling facility will be able to serve even more of the surrounding area and contribute to a more sustainable future for the Tribe,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance.
The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana’s grant will go toward increasing recycling collection and improving materials management infrastructure by expanding the Tribe’s recycling program. By repairing existing storage facilities and developing a new recycling center, the recycling drop-off center will be more accessible to neighboring communities.
These grants reflect the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to tackling environmental justice and the climate crisis. Many communities with environmental justice concerns carry a disproportionate environmental and human health burden from waste management. As part of President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, 100% of the funding allocated in EPA’s SWIFR for Tribes grants and 74% of the funding allocated in the REO grants will benefit underserved and overburdened communities. Increasing recycling is also an important way to reduce pollution because natural resource extraction and processing make up half of all global greenhouse gas emissions that drive the climate crisis. Recycling reduces the need to extract resources such as timber, water, and minerals for new products.
Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia
The SWIFR grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia will enable Tribes to make improvements to their recycling and waste management systems, meeting Congress’ goal to create a stronger, more resilient, and cost-effective U.S. municipal solid waste recycling system. EPA has announced the selection of 59 selectees to receive over $60 million through the program.
For a list of the 59 selected grant selectees for the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia funding, please visit: EPA’s Recipients and Selectees webpage.
America Recycles Day
Today marks both the 29th America Recycles Day, the second anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the second anniversary of EPA’s National Recycling Strategy. The National Recycling Strategy was the first in a series of EPA strategies devoted to building a circular economy – one that reduces material use, redesigns materials, products, and services to be less resource intensive, and recaptures “waste” as a resource to manufacture new materials and products.
To build upon the goals of the recycling strategy, EPA released the Draft National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution for public comment in April. The Draft Strategy outlines steps to reduce pollution during production, improve management of plastic materials throughout product lifecycles, and encourage actions to keep plastics out of national waterways and the environment. Future strategies will address food waste and electronics.
EPA also recently announced over $105 million for the selectees of the historic SWIFR grants for states and communities. These improvements will support a circular economy, help lower greenhouse gas emissions, as more efficient waste management systems are key to reducing energy consumption and the need for raw materials, while rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure, powered by well-paying jobs that don’t require four-year degrees.
Visit EPA’s website to learn more ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
EPA offers many free, online resources, including:
Model Recycling Toolkit.
Composting Food Scraps in Your Community: A Social Marketing Toolkit.
Wasted Food Scale: Updated Recommendations.
Standardized Terms for Materials Accepted by Municipal Recycling Programs.
Creating Messages that Drive Behavior Change.
Recycling Infrastructure and Market Opportunities Map.
Learn more about America Recycles Day.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, Twitter, or visit our homepage.
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EPA’s Good Neighbor Plan Cuts Smog-Forming Pollution from Power Plants in Summer 2023
WASHINGTON – This week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its latest data on emissions from power plants, including the May to September 2023 ground-level ozone season, which marks the first year of requirements under the Good Neighbor Plan in certain states. In the first summer of the program, power plants in the ten currently participating states decreased smog-forming emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOX) by 18%, an important step toward the overall goals of the program.
“This early data shows that the Good Neighbor Plan is a workable and effective rule, using EPA’s proven, flexible framework to deliver pollution reductions while preserving the ability of the power industry to deliver reliable and affordable electricity,” said Joseph Goffman, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator of EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation.
NOx emissions from power plants contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, also known as smog. Exposure to ground-level ozone can cause respiratory issues, aggravate asthma and other lung diseases, and lead to missed days of work or school, emergency room visits, and premature deaths. These costly public health impacts can be especially harmful to children and older adults, disproportionately affecting people of color, families with low-incomes, and other vulnerable populations.
The Good Neighbor Plan was finalized in March 2023 for 22 states to reduce pollution that significantly contributes to problems downwind states face in meeting EPA’s 2015 health-based air quality standard for ground-level ozone. The Good Neighbor Plan builds on the highly effective power sector emissions trading programs EPA has been administering under the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) and similar regulatory frameworks since the mid-1990s. Requirements for power plants began this year, strengthening the existing NOx emissions trading framework with additional features designed to protect public health by reducing downwind ozone levels while providing adequate flexibilities to affected sources. Requirements for industrial facilities under the Good Neighbor Plan are set to begin in certain states in 2026.
The Good Neighbor Plan's ozone season NOX control program for power plants is currently being implemented in ten states: Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin. The EPA is not currently implementing the Good Neighbor Plan for power plants in the remaining 12 states pursuant to temporary court orders: Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia.
Under the suite of cross-state air pollution programs over the past 25 years, power plants have significantly lowered NOX and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions while continuing to deliver electricity to the grid. In 2022, units covered under these programs had a reduction of 70% in annual SO2, 54% in annual NOX, and 53% in ozone season NOX since 2015. These emission reductions benefit public health and are a result of an overall increase in the environmental effectiveness at affected sources as electric generators installed controls, switched to lower emitting fuels, or otherwise reduced their emissions.
Nationally, power plant emissions data for the first three quarters of 2023 show marked decreases compared to the first three quarters of 2022, demonstrating the most significant reduction levels of the last few years. Compared to 2022, for all power plants in the CSAPR or Acid Rain Programs, the 2023 data so far show a 15% decrease in NOX emissions and a 26% decrease in SO2 emissions. These declines in power sector emissions reduce air pollution and protect public health. SO2 emissions contribute to the formation of particulate matter, which can lead to harmful and costly respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
EPA collects detailed SO2, NOX, carbon dioxide, and mercury emission data and other information from power plants across the country. Summary results from the first year of the Good Neighbor Plan are available on the Good Neighbor Plan Results page. Emissions data collected through all of EPA’s power plant programs are posted online and accessible to the public in summary form on the Latest Emission Comparisons page or in more detail on Clean Air Markets Program Data (CAMPD). More information about power plants is available on the Power Sector Programs website.
“This early data shows that the Good Neighbor Plan is a workable and effective rule, using EPA’s proven, flexible framework to deliver pollution reductions while preserving the ability of the power industry to deliver reliable and affordable electricity,” said Joseph Goffman, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator of EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation.
NOx emissions from power plants contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, also known as smog. Exposure to ground-level ozone can cause respiratory issues, aggravate asthma and other lung diseases, and lead to missed days of work or school, emergency room visits, and premature deaths. These costly public health impacts can be especially harmful to children and older adults, disproportionately affecting people of color, families with low-incomes, and other vulnerable populations.
The Good Neighbor Plan was finalized in March 2023 for 22 states to reduce pollution that significantly contributes to problems downwind states face in meeting EPA’s 2015 health-based air quality standard for ground-level ozone. The Good Neighbor Plan builds on the highly effective power sector emissions trading programs EPA has been administering under the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) and similar regulatory frameworks since the mid-1990s. Requirements for power plants began this year, strengthening the existing NOx emissions trading framework with additional features designed to protect public health by reducing downwind ozone levels while providing adequate flexibilities to affected sources. Requirements for industrial facilities under the Good Neighbor Plan are set to begin in certain states in 2026.
The Good Neighbor Plan's ozone season NOX control program for power plants is currently being implemented in ten states: Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin. The EPA is not currently implementing the Good Neighbor Plan for power plants in the remaining 12 states pursuant to temporary court orders: Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia.
Under the suite of cross-state air pollution programs over the past 25 years, power plants have significantly lowered NOX and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions while continuing to deliver electricity to the grid. In 2022, units covered under these programs had a reduction of 70% in annual SO2, 54% in annual NOX, and 53% in ozone season NOX since 2015. These emission reductions benefit public health and are a result of an overall increase in the environmental effectiveness at affected sources as electric generators installed controls, switched to lower emitting fuels, or otherwise reduced their emissions.
Nationally, power plant emissions data for the first three quarters of 2023 show marked decreases compared to the first three quarters of 2022, demonstrating the most significant reduction levels of the last few years. Compared to 2022, for all power plants in the CSAPR or Acid Rain Programs, the 2023 data so far show a 15% decrease in NOX emissions and a 26% decrease in SO2 emissions. These declines in power sector emissions reduce air pollution and protect public health. SO2 emissions contribute to the formation of particulate matter, which can lead to harmful and costly respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
EPA collects detailed SO2, NOX, carbon dioxide, and mercury emission data and other information from power plants across the country. Summary results from the first year of the Good Neighbor Plan are available on the Good Neighbor Plan Results page. Emissions data collected through all of EPA’s power plant programs are posted online and accessible to the public in summary form on the Latest Emission Comparisons page or in more detail on Clean Air Markets Program Data (CAMPD). More information about power plants is available on the Power Sector Programs website.
EPA Announces More Than $700,000 to Bandera County, TX, Group for Recycling Education and Outreach Projects as Part of America Recycles Day
DALLAS, TEXAS (November 30, 2023) –In conjunction with America Recycles Day, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the Bandera County Committee on Aging will receive a $704,736 Recycling Education and Outreach (REO) grant to educate surrounding communities about recycling opportunities. As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, a key pillar of Bidenomics, these grants will expand education for waste management systems across the region.
“Today, on America Recycles Day, we are putting historic recycling investments into communities, made possible by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Two years ago today, the President signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and with it, unleashed unprecedented funding to enable Tribes and communities to update recycling and composting infrastructure, while also advancing education programs to increase recycling rates and reduce waste.”
“Many rural communities are left out of services urban areas take for granted, especially for waste management. But these areas still have options, and partners like the Bandera County Committee on Aging are essential in helping educate people on how and where to recycle used items,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “With this grant, the committee can help increase sustainability for many Hill Country communities.”
The committee’s grant will go toward developing outreach projects to inform residents of recycling opportunities. The project will reach 14 rural communities with information about new and existing recycling programs through community events, door-to-door outreach, social media posts, radio and newspaper ads, and billboards.
These grants reflect the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to tackling environmental justice and the climate crisis. Many communities with environmental justice concerns carry a disproportionate environmental and human health burden from waste management. As part of President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, 100% of the funding allocated in EPA’s SWIFR for Tribes grants and 74% of the funding allocated in the REO grants will benefit underserved and overburdened communities. Increasing recycling is also an important way to reduce pollution because natural resource extraction and processing make up half of all global greenhouse gas emissions that drive the climate crisis. Recycling reduces the need to extract resources such as timber, water, and minerals for new products.
Recycling Education and Outreach Grants
The Recycling Education and Outreach grant projects will help inform the public about local recycling and composting programs and focus on increasing collection rates and decreasing contamination of recycling streams across the nation. EPA has announced 25 selectees to receive over $33 million in Recycling Education and Outreach grants.
To learn more about the Recycling Education and Outreach funding, please visit: EPA’s Recipients and Selectees webpage.
America Recycles Day
Today marks both the 29th America Recycles Day, the second anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the second anniversary of EPA’s National Recycling Strategy. The National Recycling Strategy was the first in a series of EPA strategies devoted to building a circular economy – one that reduces material use, redesigns materials, products, and services to be less resource intensive, and recaptures “waste” as a resource to manufacture new materials and products.
To build upon the goals of the recycling strategy, EPA released the Draft National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution for public comment in April. The Draft Strategy outlines steps to reduce pollution during production, improve management of plastic materials throughout product lifecycles, and encourage actions to keep plastics out of national waterways and the environment. Future strategies will address food waste and electronics.
EPA also recently announced over $105 million for the selectees of the historic SWIFR grants for states and communities. These improvements will support a circular economy, help lower greenhouse gas emissions, as more efficient waste management systems are key to reducing energy consumption and the need for raw materials, while rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure, powered by well-paying jobs that don’t require four-year degrees.
Visit EPA’s website to learn more ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
EPA offers many free, online resources, including:
Model Recycling Toolkit.
Composting Food Scraps in Your Community: A Social Marketing Toolkit.
Wasted Food Scale: Updated Recommendations.
Standardized Terms for Materials Accepted by Municipal Recycling Programs.
Creating Messages that Drive Behavior Change.
Recycling Infrastructure and Market Opportunities Map.
Learn more about America Recycles Day.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, Twitter, or visit our homepage.
“Today, on America Recycles Day, we are putting historic recycling investments into communities, made possible by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Two years ago today, the President signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and with it, unleashed unprecedented funding to enable Tribes and communities to update recycling and composting infrastructure, while also advancing education programs to increase recycling rates and reduce waste.”
“Many rural communities are left out of services urban areas take for granted, especially for waste management. But these areas still have options, and partners like the Bandera County Committee on Aging are essential in helping educate people on how and where to recycle used items,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “With this grant, the committee can help increase sustainability for many Hill Country communities.”
The committee’s grant will go toward developing outreach projects to inform residents of recycling opportunities. The project will reach 14 rural communities with information about new and existing recycling programs through community events, door-to-door outreach, social media posts, radio and newspaper ads, and billboards.
These grants reflect the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to tackling environmental justice and the climate crisis. Many communities with environmental justice concerns carry a disproportionate environmental and human health burden from waste management. As part of President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, 100% of the funding allocated in EPA’s SWIFR for Tribes grants and 74% of the funding allocated in the REO grants will benefit underserved and overburdened communities. Increasing recycling is also an important way to reduce pollution because natural resource extraction and processing make up half of all global greenhouse gas emissions that drive the climate crisis. Recycling reduces the need to extract resources such as timber, water, and minerals for new products.
Recycling Education and Outreach Grants
The Recycling Education and Outreach grant projects will help inform the public about local recycling and composting programs and focus on increasing collection rates and decreasing contamination of recycling streams across the nation. EPA has announced 25 selectees to receive over $33 million in Recycling Education and Outreach grants.
To learn more about the Recycling Education and Outreach funding, please visit: EPA’s Recipients and Selectees webpage.
America Recycles Day
Today marks both the 29th America Recycles Day, the second anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the second anniversary of EPA’s National Recycling Strategy. The National Recycling Strategy was the first in a series of EPA strategies devoted to building a circular economy – one that reduces material use, redesigns materials, products, and services to be less resource intensive, and recaptures “waste” as a resource to manufacture new materials and products.
To build upon the goals of the recycling strategy, EPA released the Draft National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution for public comment in April. The Draft Strategy outlines steps to reduce pollution during production, improve management of plastic materials throughout product lifecycles, and encourage actions to keep plastics out of national waterways and the environment. Future strategies will address food waste and electronics.
EPA also recently announced over $105 million for the selectees of the historic SWIFR grants for states and communities. These improvements will support a circular economy, help lower greenhouse gas emissions, as more efficient waste management systems are key to reducing energy consumption and the need for raw materials, while rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure, powered by well-paying jobs that don’t require four-year degrees.
Visit EPA’s website to learn more ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
EPA offers many free, online resources, including:
Model Recycling Toolkit.
Composting Food Scraps in Your Community: A Social Marketing Toolkit.
Wasted Food Scale: Updated Recommendations.
Standardized Terms for Materials Accepted by Municipal Recycling Programs.
Creating Messages that Drive Behavior Change.
Recycling Infrastructure and Market Opportunities Map.
Learn more about America Recycles Day.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, Twitter, or visit our homepage.
EPA Announces More Than $3 Million to Projects in New Mexico for Recycling Infrastructure Projects as Part of America Recycles Day
DALLAS, TEXAS (November 30, 2023) –In conjunction with America Recycles Day, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the Pueblo of San Felipe, the Pueblo of Zuni, and the Santa Domingo Pueblo Tribe will receive a total of $2,834,272 in Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia to expand recyling infrastructure. The Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District in Albuquerque will receive $590,319 in Recycling Education and Outreach (REO) grants to educate children on food waste and composting. As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, a key pillar of Bidenomics, these grants will expand education for waste management systems across the state.
“On America Recycles Day, we are putting historic recycling investments into communities, made possible by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Two years ago today, the President signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and with it, unleashed unprecedented funding to enable Tribes and communities to update recycling and composting infrastructure, while also advancing education programs to increase recycling rates and reduce waste.”
“New Mexico understands more than most places how precious our natural resources and environment are, and the dedication it takes to protect them. By expanding capacity for recycling and public outreach, the Pueblos and conservation district can help invest in a more sustainable future for New Mexico,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance.
These grants reflect the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to tackling environmental justice and the climate crisis. Many communities with environmental justice concerns carry a disproportionate environmental and human health burden from waste disposal. As part of President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, 100% of the funding allocated in EPA’s SWIFR for Tribes grants and 74% of the funding allocated in the REO grants will benefit underserved and overburdened communities. Increasing recycling is also an important way to reduce pollution because natural resource extraction and processing make up half of all global greenhouse gas emissions that drive the climate crisis. Recycling reduces the need to extract resources such as timber, water, and minerals for new products.
Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia
The SWIFR grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia will enable Tribes to make improvements to their recycling and waste management systems, meeting Congress’ goal to create a stronger, more resilient, and cost-effective U.S. municipal solid waste recycling system. EPA has announced the selection of 59 selectees to receive over $60 million through the program.
Examples of selected projects include:
The Pueblo of San Felipe will receive $1,005,111 to provide effective solid waste management through tangible infrastructure improvements to reduce contamination in the recycled materials stream. The Pueblo of San Felipe will obtain recycling trailers, establish a swap shop, repair heavy equipment for source separation recovery, and improve transfer station infrastructure. The overall objective of this project is to encourage environmentally friendly consumer management which will decrease the generation of municipal solid waste.
The Pueblo of Zuni will receive $999,532 to develop a solid waste management plan, purchase updated equipment for a transfer station, and implement a recycling program. With the purchase of new equipment and the implementation of new programs, the Pueblo of Zuni will expand materials management and focus on encouraging environmental sound post-consumer materials management.
The Santa Domingo Pueblo Tribe will receive $829,629 to increase capacity within the Santa Domingo transfer station in the areas of infrastructure improvement, procurement, service expansion, and personnel development. To achieve these objectives, the Santa Domingo Pueblo Tribe will construct a recycling structure to house equipment and materials, purchase new equipment, and a cardboard baler and green waste shredder to process recyclable materials. These new materials will expand material management and improve recycling infrastructure in the area.
For a list of the 59 selected grant selectees for the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia funding, please visit: EPA’s Recipients and Selectees webpage.
Recycling Education and Outreach Grants
The Recycling Education and Outreach grant projects will help inform the public about local recycling and composting programs and focus on increasing collection rates and decreasing contamination of recycling streams across the nation. EPA has announced 25 selectees to receive over $33 million in Recycling Education and Outreach grants.
Examples of projects that have been selected include:
Ciudad SWCD will receive $590,319 to collaborate with and inform students and community members located in food-desert communities about the importance of food waste reduction and composting, while working to reduce contamination to encourage increased food waste diversion and composting rates.
To learn more about the Recycling Education and Outreach funding, please visit: EPA’s Recipients and Selectees webpage.
America Recycles Day
Today marks both the 39th America Recycles Day, the second anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the second anniversary of EPA’s National Recycling Strategy. The National Recycling Strategy was the first in a series of EPA strategies devoted to building a circular economy – one that reduces material use, redesigns materials, products, and services to be less resource intensive, and recaptures “waste” as a resource to manufacture new materials and products.
To build upon the goals of the recycling strategy, EPA released the Draft National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution for public comment in April. The Draft Strategy outlines steps to reduce pollution during production, improve management of plastic materials throughout product lifecycles, and encourage actions to keep plastics out of national waterways and the environment. Future strategies will address food waste and electronics.
EPA also recently announced over $105 million for the selectees of the historic SWIFR grants for states and communities. These improvements will support a circular economy, help lower greenhouse gas emissions, as more efficient waste management systems are key to reducing energy consumption and the need for raw materials, while rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure, powered by well-paying jobs that don’t require four-year degrees.
Visit EPA’s website to learn more ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
EPA offers many free, online resources, including:
Model Recycling Toolkit.
Composting Food Scraps in Your Community: A Social Marketing Toolkit.
Wasted Food Scale: Updated Recommendations.
Standardized Terms for Materials Accepted by Municipal Recycling Programs.
Creating Messages that Drive Behavior Change.
Recycling Infrastructure and Market Opportunities Map.
Learn more about America Recycles Day.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, Twitter, or visit our homepage.
###
“On America Recycles Day, we are putting historic recycling investments into communities, made possible by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Two years ago today, the President signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and with it, unleashed unprecedented funding to enable Tribes and communities to update recycling and composting infrastructure, while also advancing education programs to increase recycling rates and reduce waste.”
“New Mexico understands more than most places how precious our natural resources and environment are, and the dedication it takes to protect them. By expanding capacity for recycling and public outreach, the Pueblos and conservation district can help invest in a more sustainable future for New Mexico,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance.
These grants reflect the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to tackling environmental justice and the climate crisis. Many communities with environmental justice concerns carry a disproportionate environmental and human health burden from waste disposal. As part of President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, 100% of the funding allocated in EPA’s SWIFR for Tribes grants and 74% of the funding allocated in the REO grants will benefit underserved and overburdened communities. Increasing recycling is also an important way to reduce pollution because natural resource extraction and processing make up half of all global greenhouse gas emissions that drive the climate crisis. Recycling reduces the need to extract resources such as timber, water, and minerals for new products.
Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia
The SWIFR grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia will enable Tribes to make improvements to their recycling and waste management systems, meeting Congress’ goal to create a stronger, more resilient, and cost-effective U.S. municipal solid waste recycling system. EPA has announced the selection of 59 selectees to receive over $60 million through the program.
Examples of selected projects include:
The Pueblo of San Felipe will receive $1,005,111 to provide effective solid waste management through tangible infrastructure improvements to reduce contamination in the recycled materials stream. The Pueblo of San Felipe will obtain recycling trailers, establish a swap shop, repair heavy equipment for source separation recovery, and improve transfer station infrastructure. The overall objective of this project is to encourage environmentally friendly consumer management which will decrease the generation of municipal solid waste.
The Pueblo of Zuni will receive $999,532 to develop a solid waste management plan, purchase updated equipment for a transfer station, and implement a recycling program. With the purchase of new equipment and the implementation of new programs, the Pueblo of Zuni will expand materials management and focus on encouraging environmental sound post-consumer materials management.
The Santa Domingo Pueblo Tribe will receive $829,629 to increase capacity within the Santa Domingo transfer station in the areas of infrastructure improvement, procurement, service expansion, and personnel development. To achieve these objectives, the Santa Domingo Pueblo Tribe will construct a recycling structure to house equipment and materials, purchase new equipment, and a cardboard baler and green waste shredder to process recyclable materials. These new materials will expand material management and improve recycling infrastructure in the area.
For a list of the 59 selected grant selectees for the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia funding, please visit: EPA’s Recipients and Selectees webpage.
Recycling Education and Outreach Grants
The Recycling Education and Outreach grant projects will help inform the public about local recycling and composting programs and focus on increasing collection rates and decreasing contamination of recycling streams across the nation. EPA has announced 25 selectees to receive over $33 million in Recycling Education and Outreach grants.
Examples of projects that have been selected include:
Ciudad SWCD will receive $590,319 to collaborate with and inform students and community members located in food-desert communities about the importance of food waste reduction and composting, while working to reduce contamination to encourage increased food waste diversion and composting rates.
To learn more about the Recycling Education and Outreach funding, please visit: EPA’s Recipients and Selectees webpage.
America Recycles Day
Today marks both the 39th America Recycles Day, the second anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the second anniversary of EPA’s National Recycling Strategy. The National Recycling Strategy was the first in a series of EPA strategies devoted to building a circular economy – one that reduces material use, redesigns materials, products, and services to be less resource intensive, and recaptures “waste” as a resource to manufacture new materials and products.
To build upon the goals of the recycling strategy, EPA released the Draft National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution for public comment in April. The Draft Strategy outlines steps to reduce pollution during production, improve management of plastic materials throughout product lifecycles, and encourage actions to keep plastics out of national waterways and the environment. Future strategies will address food waste and electronics.
EPA also recently announced over $105 million for the selectees of the historic SWIFR grants for states and communities. These improvements will support a circular economy, help lower greenhouse gas emissions, as more efficient waste management systems are key to reducing energy consumption and the need for raw materials, while rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure, powered by well-paying jobs that don’t require four-year degrees.
Visit EPA’s website to learn more ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
EPA offers many free, online resources, including:
Model Recycling Toolkit.
Composting Food Scraps in Your Community: A Social Marketing Toolkit.
Wasted Food Scale: Updated Recommendations.
Standardized Terms for Materials Accepted by Municipal Recycling Programs.
Creating Messages that Drive Behavior Change.
Recycling Infrastructure and Market Opportunities Map.
Learn more about America Recycles Day.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, Twitter, or visit our homepage.
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EPA Announces More Than $8 Million to Tribes in Oklahoma for Recycling Infrastructure Projects as Part of America Recycles Day
DALLAS, TEXAS (November 30, 2023) – In conjunction with America Recycles Day, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the Cherokee Nation, Modoc Nation, Muscogee Creek Nation, the Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians, and the Wyandotte Nation will receive a total of $6,092,098 in Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia to expand recyling infrastructure. The United Keetoowah Band will receive $2,000,000 in Recycling Education and Outreach grants to provide additional opportunities for recyling. As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, a key pillar of Bidenomics, these grants will expand education for waste management systems across the region.
“Today, on America Recycles Day, we are putting historic recycling investments into communities, made possible by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Two years ago today, the President signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and with it, unleashed unprecedented funding to enable Tribes and communities to update recycling and composting infrastructure, while also advancing education programs to increase recycling rates and reduce waste.”
“The Tribes of Oklahoma are the original stewards of their land, and remain strong protectors of their resources and communities,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “With these grants, the Tribes can increase their sustainability and increase capacity for recycling in Tribal homes and businesses.”
These grants reflect the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to tackling environmental justice and the climate crisis. Many communities with environmental justice concerns carry a disproportionate environmental and human health burden from waste management. As part of President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, 100% of the funding allocated in EPA’s SWIFR for Tribes grants and 74% of the funding allocated in the REO grants will benefit underserved and overburdened communities. Increasing recycling is also an important way to reduce pollution because natural resource extraction and processing make up half of all global greenhouse gas emissions that drive the climate crisis. Recycling reduces the need to extract resources such as timber, water, and minerals for new products.
Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia
The SWIFR grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia will enable Tribes to make improvements to their recycling and waste management systems, meeting Congress’ goal to create a stronger, more resilient, and cost-effective U.S. municipal solid waste recycling system. EPA has announced the selection of 59 selectees to receive over $60 million through the program.
Examples of selected projects include:
The Cherokee Nation will receive $1,492,425 to develop and implement infrastructure and capacity to divert brush, miscellaneous vegetation, and wood wastes from the Tribally owned and operated landfill, and subsequently recycle the material for beneficial uses. These activities are designed to reduce local pollution hazards such as landfill contamination, landfill greenhouse gas emissions, and soil erosion into surface water.
The Modoc Nation will receive $1,245,786 to reduce contamination in the recycled materials stream, enhance policies and programs to support circularity, increase collection, and improve materials management infrastructure. With this funding, the Modoc Nation seeks to purchase new equipment, hire new employees, and seeks to acquire land for the establishment of a new waste management facility.
The Muscogee Creek Nation will receive $906,621 to support the expansion of their Solid Waste Post-Consumer Materials Management Program. This objective will be achieved by purchasing new solid waste transportation equipment, including trucks, a compactor, containers for sorting and recycling, and recycling stations. The expected result of these new purchases is to remove obstacles hindering recycling infrastructure growth in impacted communities.
The Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians will receive $1,500,000 to implement a solid waste recycling plan, to build a recycling center in a rural underserved area, and to track recycling data. The result of this funding is expected to expand recycling availability, increase awareness of waste management, and reduce solid waste contamination.
The Wyandotte Nation will receive $947,266 to expand and improve the Lost Creek Recycling Center. To achieve this goal, the Wyandotte Nation plans to construct major renovations at the recycling center, purchase collection bins for recyclables, and purchase recycling equipment and other items for post-consumer materials management recovery.
For a list of the 59 selected grant selectees for the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia funding, please visit: EPA’s Recipients and Selectees webpage.
Recycling Education and Outreach Grants
The Recycling Education and Outreach grant projects will help inform the public about local recycling and composting programs and focus on increasing collection rates and decreasing contamination of recycling streams across the nation. EPA has announced 25 selectees to receive over $33 million in Recycling Education and Outreach grants.
Examples of projects that have been selected include:
United Keetoowah Band will receive $2,000,000 to develop a project to provide better resources and technical assistance for Tribal members, and to inform and educate them about recycling opportunities.
To learn more about the Recycling Education and Outreach funding, please visit: EPA’s Recipients and Selectees webpage.
America Recycles Day
Today marks both the 29th America Recycles Day, the second anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the second anniversary of EPA’s National Recycling Strategy. The National Recycling Strategy was the first in a series of EPA strategies devoted to building a circular economy – one that reduces material use, redesigns materials, products, and services to be less resource intensive, and recaptures “waste” as a resource to manufacture new materials and products.
To build upon the goals of the recycling strategy, EPA released the Draft National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution for public comment in April. The Draft Strategy outlines steps to reduce pollution during production, improve management of plastic materials throughout product lifecycles, and encourage actions to keep plastics out of national waterways and the environment. Future strategies will address food waste and electronics.
EPA also recently announced over $105 million for the selectees of the historic SWIFR grants for states and communities. These improvements will support a circular economy, help lower greenhouse gas emissions, as more efficient waste management systems are key to reducing energy consumption and the need for raw materials, while rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure, powered by well-paying jobs that don’t require four-year degrees.
Visit EPA’s website to learn more ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
EPA offers many free, online resources, including:
Model Recycling Toolkit.
Composting Food Scraps in Your Community: A Social Marketing Toolkit.
Wasted Food Scale: Updated Recommendations.
Standardized Terms for Materials Accepted by Municipal Recycling Programs.
Creating Messages that Drive Behavior Change.
Recycling Infrastructure and Market Opportunities Map.
Learn more about America Recycles Day.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, Twitter, or visit our homepage.
“Today, on America Recycles Day, we are putting historic recycling investments into communities, made possible by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Two years ago today, the President signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and with it, unleashed unprecedented funding to enable Tribes and communities to update recycling and composting infrastructure, while also advancing education programs to increase recycling rates and reduce waste.”
“The Tribes of Oklahoma are the original stewards of their land, and remain strong protectors of their resources and communities,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “With these grants, the Tribes can increase their sustainability and increase capacity for recycling in Tribal homes and businesses.”
These grants reflect the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to tackling environmental justice and the climate crisis. Many communities with environmental justice concerns carry a disproportionate environmental and human health burden from waste management. As part of President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, 100% of the funding allocated in EPA’s SWIFR for Tribes grants and 74% of the funding allocated in the REO grants will benefit underserved and overburdened communities. Increasing recycling is also an important way to reduce pollution because natural resource extraction and processing make up half of all global greenhouse gas emissions that drive the climate crisis. Recycling reduces the need to extract resources such as timber, water, and minerals for new products.
Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia
The SWIFR grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia will enable Tribes to make improvements to their recycling and waste management systems, meeting Congress’ goal to create a stronger, more resilient, and cost-effective U.S. municipal solid waste recycling system. EPA has announced the selection of 59 selectees to receive over $60 million through the program.
Examples of selected projects include:
The Cherokee Nation will receive $1,492,425 to develop and implement infrastructure and capacity to divert brush, miscellaneous vegetation, and wood wastes from the Tribally owned and operated landfill, and subsequently recycle the material for beneficial uses. These activities are designed to reduce local pollution hazards such as landfill contamination, landfill greenhouse gas emissions, and soil erosion into surface water.
The Modoc Nation will receive $1,245,786 to reduce contamination in the recycled materials stream, enhance policies and programs to support circularity, increase collection, and improve materials management infrastructure. With this funding, the Modoc Nation seeks to purchase new equipment, hire new employees, and seeks to acquire land for the establishment of a new waste management facility.
The Muscogee Creek Nation will receive $906,621 to support the expansion of their Solid Waste Post-Consumer Materials Management Program. This objective will be achieved by purchasing new solid waste transportation equipment, including trucks, a compactor, containers for sorting and recycling, and recycling stations. The expected result of these new purchases is to remove obstacles hindering recycling infrastructure growth in impacted communities.
The Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians will receive $1,500,000 to implement a solid waste recycling plan, to build a recycling center in a rural underserved area, and to track recycling data. The result of this funding is expected to expand recycling availability, increase awareness of waste management, and reduce solid waste contamination.
The Wyandotte Nation will receive $947,266 to expand and improve the Lost Creek Recycling Center. To achieve this goal, the Wyandotte Nation plans to construct major renovations at the recycling center, purchase collection bins for recyclables, and purchase recycling equipment and other items for post-consumer materials management recovery.
For a list of the 59 selected grant selectees for the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia funding, please visit: EPA’s Recipients and Selectees webpage.
Recycling Education and Outreach Grants
The Recycling Education and Outreach grant projects will help inform the public about local recycling and composting programs and focus on increasing collection rates and decreasing contamination of recycling streams across the nation. EPA has announced 25 selectees to receive over $33 million in Recycling Education and Outreach grants.
Examples of projects that have been selected include:
United Keetoowah Band will receive $2,000,000 to develop a project to provide better resources and technical assistance for Tribal members, and to inform and educate them about recycling opportunities.
To learn more about the Recycling Education and Outreach funding, please visit: EPA’s Recipients and Selectees webpage.
America Recycles Day
Today marks both the 29th America Recycles Day, the second anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the second anniversary of EPA’s National Recycling Strategy. The National Recycling Strategy was the first in a series of EPA strategies devoted to building a circular economy – one that reduces material use, redesigns materials, products, and services to be less resource intensive, and recaptures “waste” as a resource to manufacture new materials and products.
To build upon the goals of the recycling strategy, EPA released the Draft National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution for public comment in April. The Draft Strategy outlines steps to reduce pollution during production, improve management of plastic materials throughout product lifecycles, and encourage actions to keep plastics out of national waterways and the environment. Future strategies will address food waste and electronics.
EPA also recently announced over $105 million for the selectees of the historic SWIFR grants for states and communities. These improvements will support a circular economy, help lower greenhouse gas emissions, as more efficient waste management systems are key to reducing energy consumption and the need for raw materials, while rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure, powered by well-paying jobs that don’t require four-year degrees.
Visit EPA’s website to learn more ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
EPA offers many free, online resources, including:
Model Recycling Toolkit.
Composting Food Scraps in Your Community: A Social Marketing Toolkit.
Wasted Food Scale: Updated Recommendations.
Standardized Terms for Materials Accepted by Municipal Recycling Programs.
Creating Messages that Drive Behavior Change.
Recycling Infrastructure and Market Opportunities Map.
Learn more about America Recycles Day.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, Twitter, or visit our homepage.
EPA Completes Removal of Hazardous Materials Following Wildfires on Maui
LAHAINA, MAUI – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has completed its work under Phase 1 of the federal response to the wildfires in Lahaina and upcountry communities on Maui.
“The deadly wildfires on Maui caused catastrophic damage and destruction to homes, businesses, and significant cultural and historic resources,” said EPA Incident Commander Chris Myers. “EPA has been honored to join other federal agencies, the State of Hawaii, the County of Maui, local organizations, and Maui residents and elders to help begin the long road to recovery.”
EPA completed removal of hazardous materials from the fire impacted areas in Lahaina, Kula and Olinda. EPA conducted this work under a mission assignment from FEMA for the Maui wildfire response. Since August 17, EPA and its contractors, half of whom were hired locally, with assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard, and in coordination with the County of Maui, Hawaii Department of Health, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed the following:
Completed hazardous materials removal from 1,374 residential and 74 commercial properties.
Shipped 13 containers containing hazardous materials off Maui for safe disposal.
EPA deferred 73 residential and 100 commercial properties to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for hazardous materials removal because physical conditions prevented safe access to the properties.
Removed batteries from 94 electric and hybrid vehicles and decommissioned 274 power walls in homes and businesses. EPA developed cutting edge procedures to de-energize and decommission the batteries for safe shipment and recycling off Maui. Two containers with more than 30 tons of decommissioned battery material were shipped off the island.
At the request of the County of Maui, and to increase health and safety of residents, field crews, and the environment, soil stabilizer was applied to properties after hazardous materials were removed to prevent ash from mobilizing into the air or running off into streams and the ocean. Care was taken to avoid applying soil stabilizer to cultural and historic resources and other sensitive areas.
The County of Maui and Hawaii Department of Health also requested that EPA set up five air monitoring stations in Lahaina to provide continuous data on fine particulate matter at EPA’s AirNow website. The State can monitor air quality and advise residents in the area.
To observe and protect important cultural resources and practices on Maui, EPA developed and implemented a cultural monitoring program. The program included hiring more than 20 cultural monitors to oversee work in the field; mandatory cultural awareness training for all EPA staff, contractors, and U.S. Coast Guard support personnel; and cultural advising to inform EPA’s community involvement program. Each day, before and after work in the burn zones, a pule, or Hawaiian prayer and blessing, was held with field crews. This cultural monitoring will be continued during the next phase of the cleanup.
The fires also damaged or destroyed underground drinking water and wastewater pipelines and above-ground pumping stations. EPA’s work includes a mission assignment from FEMA to support the County of Maui Departments of Water Supply and Environmental Management to address water infrastructure damaged by the fires. The EPA will continue to provide expertise throughout drinking water and wastewater recovery efforts.
While EPA’s mission to remove household hazardous material from burned properties and lithium-ion batteries from vehicles and power walls is finished, EPA’s work will continue on Maui, coordinating with the County on infrastructure repair and restoration and planning for the sustainable recovery in Lahaina and the fire-impacted areas.
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“The deadly wildfires on Maui caused catastrophic damage and destruction to homes, businesses, and significant cultural and historic resources,” said EPA Incident Commander Chris Myers. “EPA has been honored to join other federal agencies, the State of Hawaii, the County of Maui, local organizations, and Maui residents and elders to help begin the long road to recovery.”
EPA completed removal of hazardous materials from the fire impacted areas in Lahaina, Kula and Olinda. EPA conducted this work under a mission assignment from FEMA for the Maui wildfire response. Since August 17, EPA and its contractors, half of whom were hired locally, with assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard, and in coordination with the County of Maui, Hawaii Department of Health, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed the following:
Completed hazardous materials removal from 1,374 residential and 74 commercial properties.
Shipped 13 containers containing hazardous materials off Maui for safe disposal.
EPA deferred 73 residential and 100 commercial properties to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for hazardous materials removal because physical conditions prevented safe access to the properties.
Removed batteries from 94 electric and hybrid vehicles and decommissioned 274 power walls in homes and businesses. EPA developed cutting edge procedures to de-energize and decommission the batteries for safe shipment and recycling off Maui. Two containers with more than 30 tons of decommissioned battery material were shipped off the island.
At the request of the County of Maui, and to increase health and safety of residents, field crews, and the environment, soil stabilizer was applied to properties after hazardous materials were removed to prevent ash from mobilizing into the air or running off into streams and the ocean. Care was taken to avoid applying soil stabilizer to cultural and historic resources and other sensitive areas.
The County of Maui and Hawaii Department of Health also requested that EPA set up five air monitoring stations in Lahaina to provide continuous data on fine particulate matter at EPA’s AirNow website. The State can monitor air quality and advise residents in the area.
To observe and protect important cultural resources and practices on Maui, EPA developed and implemented a cultural monitoring program. The program included hiring more than 20 cultural monitors to oversee work in the field; mandatory cultural awareness training for all EPA staff, contractors, and U.S. Coast Guard support personnel; and cultural advising to inform EPA’s community involvement program. Each day, before and after work in the burn zones, a pule, or Hawaiian prayer and blessing, was held with field crews. This cultural monitoring will be continued during the next phase of the cleanup.
The fires also damaged or destroyed underground drinking water and wastewater pipelines and above-ground pumping stations. EPA’s work includes a mission assignment from FEMA to support the County of Maui Departments of Water Supply and Environmental Management to address water infrastructure damaged by the fires. The EPA will continue to provide expertise throughout drinking water and wastewater recovery efforts.
While EPA’s mission to remove household hazardous material from burned properties and lithium-ion batteries from vehicles and power walls is finished, EPA’s work will continue on Maui, coordinating with the County on infrastructure repair and restoration and planning for the sustainable recovery in Lahaina and the fire-impacted areas.
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Biden-Harris Administration Proposes to Strengthen the Lead and Copper Rule to Protect All Communities in America from Lead in Drinking Water
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposal to strengthen its Lead and Copper Rule that would require water systems across the country to replace lead service lines within 10 years. EPA is also proposing additional improvements to protect public health, such as lowering the lead action level and improving sampling protocols utilized by water systems. Today’s proposed action significantly advances President Biden’s commitment to remove every lead service line in America to protect children and vulnerable populations from the negative impacts of lead in drinking water, particularly those living in disadvantaged communities.
The Biden-Harris Administration is using every tool available to help communities and water systems Get the Lead Out—including investing a historic $15 billion through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to replace lead service lines, providing technical assistance to communities, and supporting the development of a national inventory of lead service lines. The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements are central to the whole of government approach detailed in the Administration’s Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan.
“Lead in drinking water is a generational public health issue, and EPA’s proposal will accelerate progress towards President Biden’s goal of replacing every lead pipe across America once and for all,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With collaboration and the focused actions proposed today, EPA is delivering on our charge to protect all Americans, especially communities of color, that are disproportionately harmed by lead in drinking water systems.”
“EPA’s proposed Lead and Copper rule is grounded in the best available science and successful practices utilized by drinking water systems to protect children and adults from lead in drinking water,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “Cities like Newark, NJ, Benton Harbor, MI, and Green Bay, WI have all successfully gotten the lead out of their water systems. Our proposed rule applies the lessons learned to scale these successes to every corner of the country,”
The science is clear: there is no safe level of lead exposure. In children, it can severely harm mental and physical development—slowing down learning and damaging the brain. In adults, lead can cause increased blood pressure, heart disease, decreased kidney function, and cancer.
The proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements are a major advancement in protecting children and adults from these significant, and irreversible, health effects from lead in drinking water. Key provisions in the proposal include:
Achieving 100% Lead Pipe Replacement within 10 years.
Locating legacy lead pipes.
Improving tap sampling.
Lowering the Lead Action Level.
Strengthening protections to reduce exposure.
The proposal would also require water systems to communicate more frequently and proactively with consumers about lead service lines and the system’s plans for replacing the lines.
“President Biden and Vice President Harris believe that everyone should be able to turn on the tap and know that the glass of water they pour is safe to drink,” said White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory. “Today’s announcement from EPA represents a major advancement in protecting children and families from lead and builds on our actions across the government to help achieve President Biden and Vice President Harris’s vision of removing all lead pipes across the country.”
“President Biden and Vice President Harris believe that no family, no child, no American should have to worry about lead exposure – from the water they drink or air they breathe,” said Assistant to the President and White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi. “That’s why the President and Vice President have made replacing every lead pipe in America a centerpiece of their agenda, mobilizing tens of billions of dollars of investment and putting the full throw-weight of the federal government behind this push. EPA’s latest action bolsters this historic effort and implements a key element of the Biden-Harris Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan – more than 10 agencies stepping forward with dozens of bold actions to take on and tackle this public health crisis and this staggering source of environmental injustice.”
“Here in Newark, New Jersey, our community persevered through a lead crisis and I’m proud of the work we did removing all 23,000 lead pipes in the city in under three years,” said Kareem Adeem, Director of the Newark Department of Water and Sewer Utilities. “EPA’s new proposed rule will prompt more communities across the country to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water. This action is commendable and represents a positive step forward toward safeguarding the health and well-being of current and future generations.”
“A game changer for kids and communities, EPA's proposed new lead and copper rule would help ensure that we will never again see the preventable tragedy of a city, or a child, poisoned by their pipes,” said Mona Hanna-Attisha, Flint, Michigan pediatrician and Associate Dean for Public Health at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. I am thrilled that this rule centers our children and their potential - and listens to parents and pediatricians who have been advocating for this for decades.”
Once the proposed rule is published in the Federal Register, EPA will accept comments for 60 days. The agency will also hold a virtual public hearing on January 16, 2024, at which time the public will be invited to provide EPA with verbal comments. For more information about the proposed rule, including a pre-publication version of the proposal, fact sheets, and directions for submitting comment and registering for the public hearing, visit the proposed rule webpage.
Background
EPA is taking a comprehensive approach to getting the lead out, including:
Regulatory Framework. EPA’s proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements follow the science and EPA’s authority under the Safe Drinking Water Act to strengthen regulatory requirements to address lead in drinking water.
Funding. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $50 billion to support upgrades to the nation’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. This includes $15 billion dedicated to lead service line replacement and $11.7 billion of general Drinking Water State Revolving Funds that can also be used for lead service line replacement. To date, EPA has awarded over $3.5 billion in funding for lead service line replacement across the country.
Technical Assistance. EPA’s water technical assistance (WaterTA), including the recently launched Get the Lead Out Initiative which will partner with 200 underserved communities nationwide, helps communities identify lead services lines, develop replacement plans, and apply for funding to get the lead out.
Practical Implementation Tools. Through training, tools, webinars, and case studies, EPA provides support to drinking water systems to reduce lead exposure.
The Biden-Harris Administration is using every tool available to help communities and water systems Get the Lead Out—including investing a historic $15 billion through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to replace lead service lines, providing technical assistance to communities, and supporting the development of a national inventory of lead service lines. The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements are central to the whole of government approach detailed in the Administration’s Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan.
“Lead in drinking water is a generational public health issue, and EPA’s proposal will accelerate progress towards President Biden’s goal of replacing every lead pipe across America once and for all,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With collaboration and the focused actions proposed today, EPA is delivering on our charge to protect all Americans, especially communities of color, that are disproportionately harmed by lead in drinking water systems.”
“EPA’s proposed Lead and Copper rule is grounded in the best available science and successful practices utilized by drinking water systems to protect children and adults from lead in drinking water,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “Cities like Newark, NJ, Benton Harbor, MI, and Green Bay, WI have all successfully gotten the lead out of their water systems. Our proposed rule applies the lessons learned to scale these successes to every corner of the country,”
The science is clear: there is no safe level of lead exposure. In children, it can severely harm mental and physical development—slowing down learning and damaging the brain. In adults, lead can cause increased blood pressure, heart disease, decreased kidney function, and cancer.
The proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements are a major advancement in protecting children and adults from these significant, and irreversible, health effects from lead in drinking water. Key provisions in the proposal include:
Achieving 100% Lead Pipe Replacement within 10 years.
Locating legacy lead pipes.
Improving tap sampling.
Lowering the Lead Action Level.
Strengthening protections to reduce exposure.
The proposal would also require water systems to communicate more frequently and proactively with consumers about lead service lines and the system’s plans for replacing the lines.
“President Biden and Vice President Harris believe that everyone should be able to turn on the tap and know that the glass of water they pour is safe to drink,” said White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory. “Today’s announcement from EPA represents a major advancement in protecting children and families from lead and builds on our actions across the government to help achieve President Biden and Vice President Harris’s vision of removing all lead pipes across the country.”
“President Biden and Vice President Harris believe that no family, no child, no American should have to worry about lead exposure – from the water they drink or air they breathe,” said Assistant to the President and White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi. “That’s why the President and Vice President have made replacing every lead pipe in America a centerpiece of their agenda, mobilizing tens of billions of dollars of investment and putting the full throw-weight of the federal government behind this push. EPA’s latest action bolsters this historic effort and implements a key element of the Biden-Harris Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan – more than 10 agencies stepping forward with dozens of bold actions to take on and tackle this public health crisis and this staggering source of environmental injustice.”
“Here in Newark, New Jersey, our community persevered through a lead crisis and I’m proud of the work we did removing all 23,000 lead pipes in the city in under three years,” said Kareem Adeem, Director of the Newark Department of Water and Sewer Utilities. “EPA’s new proposed rule will prompt more communities across the country to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water. This action is commendable and represents a positive step forward toward safeguarding the health and well-being of current and future generations.”
“A game changer for kids and communities, EPA's proposed new lead and copper rule would help ensure that we will never again see the preventable tragedy of a city, or a child, poisoned by their pipes,” said Mona Hanna-Attisha, Flint, Michigan pediatrician and Associate Dean for Public Health at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. I am thrilled that this rule centers our children and their potential - and listens to parents and pediatricians who have been advocating for this for decades.”
Once the proposed rule is published in the Federal Register, EPA will accept comments for 60 days. The agency will also hold a virtual public hearing on January 16, 2024, at which time the public will be invited to provide EPA with verbal comments. For more information about the proposed rule, including a pre-publication version of the proposal, fact sheets, and directions for submitting comment and registering for the public hearing, visit the proposed rule webpage.
Background
EPA is taking a comprehensive approach to getting the lead out, including:
Regulatory Framework. EPA’s proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements follow the science and EPA’s authority under the Safe Drinking Water Act to strengthen regulatory requirements to address lead in drinking water.
Funding. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $50 billion to support upgrades to the nation’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. This includes $15 billion dedicated to lead service line replacement and $11.7 billion of general Drinking Water State Revolving Funds that can also be used for lead service line replacement. To date, EPA has awarded over $3.5 billion in funding for lead service line replacement across the country.
Technical Assistance. EPA’s water technical assistance (WaterTA), including the recently launched Get the Lead Out Initiative which will partner with 200 underserved communities nationwide, helps communities identify lead services lines, develop replacement plans, and apply for funding to get the lead out.
Practical Implementation Tools. Through training, tools, webinars, and case studies, EPA provides support to drinking water systems to reduce lead exposure.